Village of La Grange Board Meeting Summary – June 9, 2025

This page contains an AI-generated summary of the Village of La Grange’s Board Meeting that was held on June 9, 2025.  For your convenience, a video of the meeting is embedded on this page.

To follow the Village of La Grange on YouTube, where the videos are originally hosted, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@villageoflagrangeofficial363.

🔹 Meeting Highlights

1. Special Recognition: Russell Davenport Retirement

  • The meeting began with a heartfelt tribute to Russell Davenport, retiring Assistant Director of Public Works after 37 years of service.

  • Multiple trustees and the Village President offered emotional tributes, noting Russell’s tireless work, positive attitude, customer service, and deep community ties.

  • Davenport gave a short speech thanking colleagues, his family, and the residents of La Grange.

🔹 President’s Report

  • Memorial Day: President participated in the American Legion ceremony honoring fallen service members.

  • Pet Parade & Carnival: Thanked the La Grange Business Association (LGBA), volunteers, and staff for organizing a successful weekend.

  • Downtown Plantings: Thanked the La Grange Garden Club and Public Works for downtown beautification.

  • Juneteenth Celebration: Scheduled for June 19 at The Corral, organized by Lace Up Athletics and the Lacy family.

🔹 Village Manager’s Report

  • Water Bill Issues: Noted technical difficulties with payment processor (Enhance), advised alternate payment options.

  • Open Positions: Job openings include Village Planner, Part-Time Police Officer, and Part-Time Fire Inspector.

🔹 Key Approvals & Votes

Consent Agenda (Approved):

  • Extension of Special Service Area #7 (20 years).

  • 50/50 Sidewalk Program contract.

  • Refuse Collection License.

  • IDOT maintenance agreement.

  • Wyola Avenue construction contract.

  • Design permit for 6 W. Burlington Ave.

  • Closed session minutes review and destruction of verbatim recordings.

  • Monthly vouchers and meeting minutes.

Removed from Consent Agenda:

  • Two items on electricity cost reimbursement pending more detail.

🔹 Current Business

1. Engineering Contract Approved

  • Burlington Avenue resurfacing project advanced via a contract with Baxter & Woodman for design and environmental work.

2. Liquor Code Update: PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

  • Revised restaurant liquor license ratio from 60/40 food-to-liquor to 50/50, reflecting changing consumer habits.

  • Also raised brewpub production limits to match the state’s 155,000-gallon cap.

  • Trustees praised the change as a balance between tradition and evolving business needs.

3. Finance Consulting Agreement Approved

  • Temporary agreement with MGT Impact Solutions to provide 20 hours/week of financial consultant services during a finance director vacancy.

  • Estimated cost: ~$48,000 (offset by vacancy savings)

🔹 Trustee Comments

  • Parking Concerns: Trustees acknowledged long-standing challenges and ongoing efforts.

  • Recognition: Trustee Augustine recognized Becky Spratford for 24 years as a Library Commissioner.